A FESTIVE blitz on shops selling booze to under 18s has been announced.
The massive sting operation will see more than 600 undercover operations in Yorkshire and Humber, including Huddersfield, in the run-up to Christmas.
Under-age volunteers, supervised by Trading Standards officers, will try to buy alcohol as part of a national crackdown.
Nationally there will be 5,500 undercover operations.
The tactics in the Yorkshire area have been funded by a £29,000 grant from the Home Office.
There are tough penalties for rogue retailers which include an £80 fixed penalty notice for bar and shop staff who make the sale as well as a £1,000 fine, rising to £5,000 from November 24, for licensees on conviction.
Licences can also be suspended, altered or revoked.
Simon Frow, regional representative for Yorkshire and Humber Trading Standards, said the stings would have a greater impact on the problem of unscrupulous shops selling drink to youngsters.
